Miami Dolphins: 5 Keys for the Dolphins' Week 2 Matchup with Houston Texans

After a disastrous home campaign in 2010, the Miami Dolphins’ struggles continued at Sun Life Stadium in their 2011 opener, losing to the New England Patriots 38-24.

Miami looks to break the trend at home this weekend against the Houston Texans, who looked sharp in their debut against a Peyton Manning-less Colts.

Here are the keys to a Dolphins victory in Week 2.

Containing Andre Johnson

If you think the Dolphins secondary had their hands full with Wes Welker and Deion Branch, this week the toughest cover in the league comes to town. 

Both Vontae Davis and Sean Smith will need to have short-term memory in order to stop Andre Johnson, who's been a stud in his previous four games at Miami's Sun Life Stadium, catching 30 balls, 426 yards and three touchdowns.

Johnson will get his receptions, but avoiding yards after the catch and the big play is crucial. Expect a safety over the top spying on Johnson at all times during this contest. 

Generating a Pass Rush

Last week, the Patriots neutralized the Dolphins on the defensive front, giving Tom Brady years to connect with his receivers.

Pressure is on Cameron Wake, Koa Misi and Jason Taylor on the edge to make it tough for Texans quarterback Matt Schaub.

Wake, especially, needs to play like the terror he was in 2010. He struggled against New England rookie tackle Nate Solder. In Week 2, he faces a more experienced tackle against the Texans' Eric Winston.

Expect Wake to be an impact performer Sunday.

Execute on the Goal Line

Miami managed to score only three points on their two drives that were inside the 5-yard line against New England.

With another explosive offense coming to Miami, personnel issues need to be sorted out in order for the Dolphins to keep pace.

Rookie running back Daniel Thomas expects to play and be the main cog in the Dolphins’ goal-line package.

Having Thomas at their disposal will make the Texans have to respect the running game, as Reggie Bush has not garnered much attention between the tackles thus far.

Continued Success for Chad Henne

After Chad Henne’s splendid play on Monday, Dolphins fans were able to finally exhale about the quarterback spot.

He exhibited a stronger pocket presence, showed off his legs and, most importantly, avoided the critical turnover.

Henne’s next step is to be able to sustain this quality play for an extended period. His performance will continue to be under a microscope until he can bring consistent success to this Miami offense.

Part of Henne’s success will come from solid protection from his offensive line. This unit will look to avoid giving up four sacks against a defensive front led by Mario Williams.

Avoiding a Fourth-Quarter Collapse

The Dolphins were hanging tough with the Patriots into the fourth quarter until a goal-line stand and a fluky 99-yard touchdown made it a three-score game.

If the Texans have the lead in the final 15 minutes, Miami will need to shore up its run defense to stop a large dose of Arian Foster. 

On the offensive side, 3^rd-down play selection could make or break the 'Phins. Fans don’t expect to see a fade to Brian Hartline again in the game’s pivotal moment.

Historically, all five games between these two teams have been decided by a touchdown or less. Expect this one to be the same.